DCCC: The Stakeholder

House GOP’s Virginia Foxx: Republicans Passed Civil Rights Bills Back In The 60s - Seriously??

2009-11-19T18:42:18+00:00

Foxx [R-NC]: Republicans 'Passed Civil Rights Bills Back In The 60s Without Very Much Help' From Democrats [Think Progress]:

[...] Foxx then extended her claims of the GOP's progressive history to the issue of civil rights. "Just as we were the people who passed the civil rights bills back in the '60s without very much help from our colleagues across the aisle," said Foxx. "They love to engage in revisionist history." When Foxx finally yielded her time on the floor, Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D-CA) passionately rebuked her:

CARDOZA: Today, what I’m hearing on the floor really takes the cake. The gentlelady from North Carolina, in her statement just now, indicated that the Republican GOP had passed the Civil Rights Act legislation with almost no help from the Democrats. I can’t believe my ears. It was the Kennedy and Johnson administration where we passed that Great Society legislation. It was over the objections of people like Jesse Helms from the gentlewoman’s state that we passed that civil rights legislation. John Lewis…

FOXX: Would, would the gentleman yield?

CARDOZA: No, I will not yield. John Lewis, a member of this House, was beaten on the Edmund Pettus bridge to get that civil rights legislation passed. Tell John Lewis that he wasn’t part of getting that legislation passed.

When she was given a chance to respond, Foxx could only say that Jesse Helms wasn’t elected to the Senate until 1972. [...]

Ryan Rudominer, National Press Secretary of the DCCC released this response: "It speaks volumes that House Republicans would send out one of its top lieutenants -- Virginia Foxx -- to make such an absurd statement about the Civil Rights era given her own history of making such racially offensive remarks."

To refresh your memory…

Virginia 'Brer' Foxx Drops 'Tar Baby' Bomb [Washington Post]:

Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) dropped the racially charged term "tar baby" on the House floor. Foxx said, "I thought about just a common sense way to describe this to people: the Democrats have a tar baby on their hands and they simply can't get away from it. They are stuck on this problem."

Virginia Foxx: Matthew Shepard's Murder Not a Hate Crime [Washington Post]:

Rep. Virginia Foxx said the murder of 21-year-old Matthew Shepard in 1998 was not a hate crime. "It's really a hoax that that continues to be used as an excuse for passing [hate crimes] bills," Foxx said on the House floor during debate on the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act. And guess who was in the House gallery to hear Foxx say this? Matthew Shepard's mother.

Breaking News: GOP Attack Ad Buys Reach New High

2009-11-19T15:50:53+00:00

DCCC Executive Director just sent this urgent message to DCCC supporters:

Friend --

Breaking news: Since the historic health care vote, outside Republican special interest groups have spent nearly $2.4 million directly attacking Democrats who voted "yes" on health care.

They have made it clear - they will say or do whatever it takes no matter the cost.

I won't let their special interest friends stop us from creating the change our country needs. This year already, opponents of health care reform led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have spent $60 MILLION on attack ads.

Rumor is that Republicans are going to expand their advertising buys for Thanksgiving week when Democrats will be home in their districts. I need your urgent help to reach our goal of raising $50,000 more for our Emergency Health Care Rapid Response network by midnight tomorrow. And, if you give now, you will be automatically entered to win dinner with Al Gore.

Please contribute $5, $10 or more by MIDNIGHT TOMORROW and you will be automatically entered to win a free trip to Los Angeles to have dinner with Speaker Pelosi and Al Gore.

That's right - you can help us with rapid response protecting our Democrats who voted YES on health care and are under attack by GOP extremists - and you can even have a chance to meet Speaker Pelosi and Al Gore at a dinner December 3rd (ticket, flight and hotel included).

There has never been a more critical time for grassroots Democrats like you to stand with Congressional Democrats as we move America forward. The Republicans have no plan for fixing America's broken health care system. Their only goal is taking back control of the House next year. I need your grassroots support to help Democrats stand up to their dishonest attacks.

Please contribute MIDNIGHT TOMORROW and you could join me and Vice President Gore for dinner.

Thank you,

Jon Vogel
DCCC Executive Director

P.S. Together we are bringing real change to Washington. Please support courageous Democrats by contributing to the DCCC today and be automatically entered for a chance for you and a guest to be my guests for dinner with Vice President Gore on December 3rd.

Rep. Louie Gohmert: Democrats May Welcome Another Terrorist Attack

2009-11-18T21:54:34+00:00

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Chris Van Hollen released the following statement in response to comments by Representative Louie Gohmert (R-TX) suggesting that a new terrorist attack in New York City would be welcomed by Democrats as a means of creating jobs:

“Congressman Louie Gohmert’s outrageous comments not only insult the victims of 9/11 and their families but also offer the latest evidence that the Republican Party has been taken over by right-wing extremists. House Republicans should immediately condemn Congressman Gohmert’s offensive remarks.

“Whether they’re attending ‘tea party’ rallies featuring Holocaust imagery, comparing health insurance reform to terrorism, or staying silent about plans to burn public officials in effigy, the tenor from House Republicans grows more alarming by the day.

“It’s long past time for the House Republican Leadership to speak out against this disturbing pattern of increasingly extreme rhetoric from their ranks and engage in the constructive search for solutions that America’s many challenges demand.”

BACKGROUND

Republican Congressman Louie Gohmert of Texas suggested Tuesday night that Democrats may actually want another terrorist attack because rebuilding the city would create jobs. [Media Matters, 11/18/09]
Dozens of House leaders greeted the crowd at a Capitol Hill rally where a sign comparing health care reform to a Nazi concentration camp was displayed. [Star Tribune, 11/06/09; Think Progress, 11/05/09]
Michael Steel, a spokesman for Boehner, said the tea party event was an example of the tactics the Republican leader has heartily endorsed. “Throughout the year, Boehner has encouraged Members to engage in what he calls ‘entrepreneurial insurgency,’ using innovative strategies and tactics to communicate our better solutions to the American people,” Steel said. “The rally yesterday was a great example, and Boehner thanked Reps. Bachmann, King and Price for taking the initiative and making it happen.” [Roll Call, 11/9/09]
“Rep. Virginia Foxx: Health care reform is a bigger threat than ‘any terrorist right now in any country.’” [Think Progress, 11/02/09]
The Danville TEA Party, in Congressman Tom Perriello’s district, planned to close their Saturday rally by burning Members of the House in effigy. [Chatham Star-Tribune, 11/13/09]

Join Al Gore for Dinner

2009-11-18T19:11:59+00:00

Speaker Pelosi just announced this contest to DCCC supporters:

Friend --

On November 7th you helped make history when House Democrats passed landmark health insurance reform legislation that will cover 36 million more Americans, protect Medicare and rein in the worst abuses of health insurance companies.

I want you to know that we would never have passed the Affordable Health Care for America Act in the House if not for you and your unflinching commitment.

That's why I would like to offer you the opportunity to join me and Vice President Gore for dinner.

Contribute $5, $10 or more today and be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip to Los Angeles (airfare and hotel included). You and your guest will be my guests for dinner with Vice President Gore and leading Democrats from across America on December 3rd.

Although we should all take great pride in our victory in the House, our work is not done.

Republicans and their allies in the health insurance industry have already unleashed a massively funded anti-reform campaign attacking Democrats with half-truths and distortions. Their goal is to derail health care reform and then defeat Democrats in next year's election. I need your generous support to help defend Democrats who are targets of the Republicans' multi-million dollar campaign.

Contribute $5, $10 or more today and be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip to Los Angeles (airfare and hotel included). You and your guest will be my guests for dinner with Vice President Gore and leading Democrats from across America on December 3rd.

There has never been a greater need for grassroots Democrats like you to support Congressional Democrats as we move America forward. The Republicans have abandoned all pretense of trying to fix America's broken health care system. Their sole focus is regaining political power next year. I need your grassroots support to help Democrats stand up to their dishonest attacks.

Please contribute today and you could join me and Vice President Gore for dinner next month.

Thank you,

Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the House

P.S. Together we are bringing real change to Washington. Please support courageous Democrats by contributing to the DCCC today and be automatically entered for a chance to be my guest for dinner with Vice President Gore in Los Angeles on December 3rd.

Official Rules and Restrictions

A Message from Chairman Van Hollen

2009-11-16T16:31:30+00:00

DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen recorded this special video message for DCCC supporters.

New Scare Ad Attacks Pro-Health Reform Democrats

2009-11-14T01:30:06+00:00

Washington Post's The Plum Line:

New Anti-Reform Scare Ad Targeting Seniors Was Created By Maker Of Racially-Tinged Willie Horton Spot

The massive ad campaign designed to frighten seniors about health care reform currently being waged by the 60 Plus Association, the self-styled conservative counterpart to AARP, is the handiwork of the same ad guru that created the infamous Willie Horton ads, we’ve confirmed.

The ad guru’s behind-the-scenes role suggests that scare tactics similar to those used in the racially-charged 1988 Horton spot have now been pressed into service to defeat health care reform.

Yesterday 60 Plus launched a seven figure ad buy targeting 15 House Dems in senior-heavy districts who voted for the Dem proposal [...]

Update: It’s also worth noting that the 60 Plus Association supported Bush’s plans to privatize Social Security, too.

Contribute today to help our courageous Democrats stand strong against dishonest attacks from right-wing groups like 60 Plus and the Chamber of Commerce >>

Tea Party Activists Plan to Hang in Effigy Members of Congress

2009-11-13T21:50:26+00:00

Disgusting:

In a move sure to spark controversy, the Danville TEA Party will close their "Fired Up for Freedom" rally by burning Rep. Tom Perriello and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in effigy in response to the passage of landmark healthcare legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen released this statement:

"These shocking and despicable acts are becoming all too common at extreme right-wing Republican rallies. Hanging Members in effigy or displaying images of Nazi concentration camps on the steps of the Capitol have no place in any debate and Republican Members of Congress must condemn these actions.

"While there should be a robust debate about reforming America’s broken health insurance system, violent expressions are beyond the boundaries of a respectful debate.

"The American people are counting on Republicans to join Democrats in a constructive debate to help President Obama bring about urgently-needed health insurance reform."

Sessions Stands Behind Remarks that Women are Like Smokers, Insurance Companies Should Charge More

2009-11-13T19:14:38+00:00

One week has passed since NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions (TX) made controversial remarks defending the insurance industry's practice of charging women more than men for health insurance by equating being a woman to being a smoker:

REP. PALLONE (D-NJ): Why should a woman pay more than a man?

REP. SESSIONS (R-TX): Well now. We’re all different. Why should a smoker pay more than a non-smoker?

Yesterday his office provided their first public response to the controversy in a statement to the Dallas Morning News that stood by the comparison.

"We scoured the statement provided by Representative Sessions’s office about his insulting remarks to look for the phrase 'I was wrong,' but found nothing," said Jesse Ferguson, Southern Regional Press Secretary for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. "I guess it’s hard too hard for him to criticize his patrons in the insurance industry for charging women more than men for the same health insurance. For Representative Sessions and the GOP leadership, being a woman is a pre-existing condition worthy of discrimination but, increasingly, for women across this nation being an extreme Republican is a pre-existing reason to vote for someone else."

Did Bachmanns Tea Party Rally Violate House Rules?

2009-11-12T19:39:00+00:00

Countdown with Keith Olbermann exposes Michele Bachmann’s misuse of taxpayer dollars and disregard for House rules to promote her "tea party rally":

The Minneapolis Star Tribune has more:

…Politico's Glenn Thrush wonders this morning whether last week's "House Call" on Washington violated House rules.

Thrush points out that Bachmann used her House of Representatives Web site to call on Americans to stop the Democratic health care bill by coming to the Capitol and confronting members of Congress. House rules state, however, that a member's Web site "may not include grassroots lobbying or solicit support for a Member's position."

A Bachmann spokester tells Thrush: "Rep Bachmann's website encourages the American people to exercise their right to petition and ensure their voices are heard, what ever their position may be."

But the congresswoman's call to action wasn't so vague: "The people need to make a House Call on Washington this week and tell their Representatives to vote no to a government take-over of one-fifth of our economy."

Prior to the event last week, the Republican Study Committee was urging House staffers to remember that the event was supposed to be labeled a "press conference." “PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR BOSS DOES NOT TERM THIS EVENT A ‘RALLY,'" reads a memo obtained by Politico.

Courage

2009-11-11T13:10:35+00:00

Today on Veterans Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women and their families who sacrifice in defense of our freedom.

As we pause to honor America's veterans today, please take a minute to read about some of our great Democratic Members of Congress and our newest candidates who have worn the uniform in defense of our nation:

Rep. John Boccieri

John Boccieri was born and raised in Northeast Ohio. The grandson of coal miners, steelworkers, and carpenters, he went to college on a baseball scholarship, then joined the U.S. Air Force. He has served in the military for 14 years, including four tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, and has represented eastern Stark County for eight years in the Ohio legislature as a State Representative and State Senator. John lives in Alliance with his wife and four children.

Rep. Leonard Boswell

Congressman Boswell has spent his life serving his country and his neighbors. Whether it was during his twenty distinguished years in the United States Army, twelve years in the Iowa Senate, or during his six terms in halls of Congress, Leonard has committed himself to serving the people.

Rep. Chris Carney

A Commander (select) in the United States Navy Reserve, Chris Carney served multiple tours overseas and was activated for operations Enduring Freedom, Noble Eagle, and Southern Watch.

After 9/11, Chris served at the Pentagon as an intelligence analyst and senior adviser on intelligence and counterterrorism issues. Chris coordinated counterterrorism activities in the Middle East and later worked on the integration of national-level intelligence products in the effort to destroy international terrorist networks.

Rep. Eric Massa

Prior to being elected to Congress, Rep. Massa spent a total of 24 years on active duty as a Naval Officer. He served in Desert Storm, and later as Special Assistant to General Wes Clark in Panama and then again when Clark served as Supreme Allied Commander of NATO forces. Rep. Massa later served on the staff of the House Armed Services Committee, where he was an outspoken advocate on behalf of the troops.

Rep. Walt Minnick

On November 4, 2008, Walt Minnick made history with his upset win and was elected to represent Idaho's First Congressional District in Washington, D.C. He serves the people of Idaho as an effective, bipartisan, conservative problem-solver who pledges to always do what's "Right for Idaho." Rep. Minnick served as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War before beginning his career in politics, working for the White House in the 1970s.

Rep. Bill Owens

Bill Owens has devoted his life to creating jobs, bringing economic development to the North Country, and serving his country. As a Captain in the United States Air Force, he proudly served at Plattsburgh Air Force Base. When the base was closed he helped create the Plattsburgh Airbase Redevelopment Corporation to ensure the land was used to create jobs, and currently there are more than 500 jobs based there as a result of his leadership.

Rep. Gary Peters

The son of a WWII veteran, Gary Peters was 34 years old and a successful financial manager living in Oakland County when he raised his right hand and took the oath of an officer in the US Navy Reserve. Gary went on to train as a Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist, a logistics officer, and a sharpshooter - and served part of his reserve duty in the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch.

Following the terrorist attacks on September 11th, Gary signed back up for the Navy Reserve, and again served overseas in support of US operations. During his twelve years of service, he received numerous awards and citations, including the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.

Rep. Patrick Murphy

During his military career, Patrick served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in New York, a prosecutor in North Carolina, and an associate professor of Constitutional Law at West Point. When September 11th happened, Murphy went into his commander’s office and volunteered to deploy. His first deployment was to Bosnia in 2002 and the second was to Baghdad, Iraq from 2003-2004. While in Baghdad, Patrick served as a Captain in the Army's elite 82nd Airborne Division, and was later awarded the Bronze Star for Service.

After returning home, Patrick won his first election and he was sworn in on January 4, 2007.

Rep. Joe Sestak

Joe Sestak was elected to Congress in 2006 to represent the 7th Congressional District where he was born and raised. During a distinguished 31-year career in the United States Navy, Joe attained the rank of 3-star Admiral and served in the White House, Pentagon, and in operational commands at sea. He is the highest-ranking former military officer ever elected to either branch of Congress. He attended the Naval Academy and later earned a Ph.d. in Political Economy and Government from Harvard University. After retiring from the Navy, Joe returned home to Delaware County, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Susan, and daughter, Alex, and proudly represents the 7th District.

Bryan Lentz

Bryan Lentz is an Iraq War Veteran, former prosecutor, and state legislator with the experienced leadership to make government work again for our families. Bryan was born and raised in southeastern Pennsylvania and from early in life he learned the importance of service to country and community. A graduate of Georgetown University with a law degree from Temple University, Bryan and his wife Jen are proud to call Delaware County home. In his two terms in the State Legislature, Bryan has worked tirelessly to make state government accountable and responsive to the needs of all Pennsylvanians. He will bring this same spirit of service and tough, principled leadership to Washington.

Tommy Sowers

After going to Duke on an Army ROTC scholarship, Tommy Sowers began his 11 year career in the U.S. Army, commissioned in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He graduated Airborne, Air Assault, Ranger and Belgian Commando Schools. Tommy led a combat engineering platoon in Kosovo and represented the 1st Infantry Division in the Best Ranger Competition.

Following graduate studies at the London School of Economics as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar for Missouri District 6080, Tommy attended the Special Forces Qualification Course graduating 1st in his class. At 10th Special Forces Group, Tommy led a team of Green Berets. In two deployments to Iraq, he conducted a wide range of counterinsurgency operations and was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and two Bronze Stars.

Rob Miller

As a freshman at the College of Charleston, Rob made the decision to enlist in the Marine Corps, and in January of 1995, he began basic training at Parris Island, SC. Shortly after his promotion to Sergeant, Rob was selected to become a Marine infantry officer. In his 13 years in the Marine Corps, Rob was deployed to Albania, Yugoslavia, Djibouti, Liberia, and twice to Iraq. For more information about Rob’s time in the Marines, click here.

Let's make sure to keep America's veterans in our thoughts.

Debbie Halvorson: My Vote on Health Care Reform

2009-11-10T17:03:45+00:00

Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson voted to pass critical Health Care Reform last Saturday. Watch the video below to learn why she voted yes:

WATCH: Chairman Van Hollen Discusses Health Reform on Fox News Sunday

2009-11-09T22:21:39+00:00

On Fox News Sunday, DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen and Republican Congressman Mike Pence debated health reform and this past Tuesday's election results.

WATCH:

Caught on Camera: Mike Pence Admits NJ and VA Races Decided on Local Issues, President Obama Inherited Economy in Shambles

In his comments, Pence admitted this past Tuesday's VA and NJ gubernatorial election results were decided on local issues and that President Obama inherited an economy in shambles from Republicans.

Ryan Rudominer, National Press Secretary, DCCC: "House Republican Conference Chairman Mike Pence is correct that it was Republicans who pushed our economy over a cliff and left President Obama an economy in shambles. So now the question becomes, instead of sitting on the sidelines and rooting for failure, when will House Republicans actually work with Democrats to clean up the mess their backwards Right Wing ideology created?"

Excerpts from this morning's interview:

MIKE PENCE: Chris is absolutely right. The economy was in shambles when this president came to power... [Fox News Sunday, 11/8/09]

MIKE PENCE: Now, Ill stipulate, Chris, that all politics is local. People are voting on local issues in those [NJ and VA gubernatorial] races... [Fox News Sunday, 11/8/09]

DCCC CHAIRMAN CHRIS VAN HOLLEN: Im talking about 2008 election, the 2008 elections, when President Obama and the larger majority went into Congress. You know, with all due respect to Mike and his party, when President Bush -- and they had a lock on the Congress.

They did nothing about these issues, these rising costs, the fact that insurance companies could essentially abuse consumers. They did nothing about it.

And people back in 2008 said its time to step up on some of these issues. And thats what we did last night.

And I would point out that in terms of the elections last Tuesday, there were only two races in the country where what were doing in Congress at the federal level was at the center of debate, and those were the two congressional races. Both members of Congress won. Both of them voted yes last night on health care reform, so... [Fox News Sunday, 11/8/09]

House passes Affordable Health Care for America Act

2009-11-08T03:09:10+00:00

On November 7, 2009, House Democrats made history for the American people, with the passage of the Affordable Health Care for America Act.

Our legislation delivers on the promise of making affordable, quality health insurance available to every American - and laying the foundation for a brighter future for generations to come.

The Affordable Health Care for America Act includes a strong public option and will:

Ensure affordability for the middle class;
Provide security for our seniors;
End discrimination for pre-existing medical conditions;
Invest in wellness and prevention; and
Ensure responsibility to our children - by not adding a dime to the deficit.

This historic victory was won because grassroots Democrats stood up and spoke out. Grassroots Democrats insisted on a strong public option and you are the ones who stood by us and fought hard every step of the way.

Much work still remains before President Obama can sign it to make it the law of the land. But for now, we say thank you for helping House Democrats make history for America.

NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions Says Insurance Companies OK to Discriminate Against Women

2009-11-07T22:54:10+00:00

During last night's House Rules Committee debate on health insurance reform, National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) Chairman Pete Sessions compared being a woman to being a smoker and endorsed the notion that big health insurance companies should charge women more than men for health care. According to Open Secrets, Congressman Pete Sessions has taken more than $400,000 from big insurance companies.

"The NRCC and extreme right wing of the Republican Party is totally out of step with women. First, the NRCC says that a man ought to put the first woman Speaker of the House ‘in her place.' Then, NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions compared being a woman to being a smoker while defending his big insurance company pals' practice of charging women more than men for health care," said Jennifer Crider, spokeswoman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. "I don't know what's scarier, whether NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions actually believes women are second class citizens or whether he believes it's politically beneficial for the NRCC to say so. America's mothers, sisters, and daughters deserve better than this divisive and biased rhetoric from the National Republican Congressional Committee."

Background

At last night's House Rules Committee debate about health insurance reform, NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions responded to a question about women paying more for health insurance than men by saying, "Well, we're all different. Why should a smoker pay more?" [Courthouse News, 11/6/2009]

Representative Pete Sessions has taken over $400,000 from insurance industry contributors. [Open Secrets]

"Striking new evidence has emerged of a widespread gap in the cost of health insurance, as women pay much more than men of the same age for individual insurance policies providing identical coverage, according to new data from insurance companies and online brokers." [New York Times, 10/30/2008]

Currently, women of child-bearing age pay higher rates based on their gender and are routinely (and legally) denied coverage if they are pregnant. Legislation pending in Congress would dramatically change the rules [McClatchy Newspapers; October 7, 2009]

Defending the practice, one insurance spokesman called pregnancy a "matter of choice." To make matters worse, many insurance companies consider C-Sections a "pre-existing condition" while a subsidiary of United Health, one of the biggest insurance companies in the nation, "simply rejects" women who have had C-Sections. [San Francisco Chronicle, 3/24/09], [New York Times, 6/1/08]

GOP Congressman Attend Tea Party Rally Instead of Voting on National Security Measures

2009-11-06T22:37:25+00:00

Zachary Roth of Talking Points Memo reports:

When it's a choice between strengthening the Patriot Act, or showing up for the Tea Party Patriots, what's a GOP lawmaker to do? We'll give you one guess...

Several Republican members of Congress yesterday blew off votes on the signature anti-terror legislation of the post 9/11 era to attend Michele Bachmann's Tea Party rally against health-care reform.

Reps. Steve King of Iowa, Trent Franks of Arizona, Randy Forbes of Virginia, Jim Jordan of Ohio, and Louie Gohmert and Ted Poe of Texas all took time out yesterday for the "Super Bowl of Freedom," as Bachmann has called it. And all missed votes in the House Judiciary committee on Republican-sponsored amendments to the reauthorization of the Patriot Act -- measures that would have toughened the Act, but narrowly failed. Those votes took place, a committee staffer confirmed, between noon and two -- the very time when Republican lawmakers were rallying the Tea Party troops on the Capitol steps.

Read more.

NY-23 Victory Gallery

2009-11-06T16:52:42+00:00

One year ago, grassroots supporters like you powered President Obama and House Democrats to history-making election victories across America.

One year later, you helped Democrat Bill Owens defeat Sarah Palin, Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck and their extreme right-wing 'tea party' candidate Doug Hoffman in the NY-23 Special Election. Check out some of the media coverage of our historic win:

The Daily Show:

Hardball:

Daily Kos TV recaps how the right-wing pundits and tea party activists pushed aside Republican Dede Scozzafava in favor of hard-line conservative candidate Doug Hoffman, allowing the first Democratic victory in NY-23 since the Civil War:

Send your congratulations to Bill Owens for beating Tea Party Republican Doug Hoffmann in New York's 23rd Congressional District.

More Outrageous Extreme Right Wing Hatred

2009-11-05T23:37:40+00:00

THIS is the type of extreme right wing Republicans that Republican leaders rushed to rally today.

"Woah" [POLITICO]:

There has been plenty of hyperbolic rhetoric on both sides of the health care debate, but this sign at today's GOP protest blows right past hyperbole and head first into incendiary. The sign reads "National Socialist Health Care Dachau, Germany - 1945" and shows a large pile of naked, dead bodies.

It's one thing to argue that reform will hurt Americans' health care, it's a whole other to suggest that reform will lead to systemic, mass genocide on par with one of the greatest atrocities in human history.

(Photo: ThinkProgress)

Among the leaders that addressed the crowd were: Republican Leader John Boehner, Republican Whip Eric Cantor, Republican Conference Chair Mike Pence, and Republican Representative Michele Bachmann.

THIS is the type of extreme right wing Republicans that RNC Chairman Michael Steele says they "will come after" moderates for.

Jennifer Crider, DCCC spokesperson said: "This is exactly the kind of outrageous extreme right wing hatred that House Republican leaders should condemn, not encourage and rally. What the heck is wrong with John Boehner, Eric Cantor, and their Republican colleagues that this is the extreme right wing face that put on the Republican Party? It's no wonder the number of people who identify themselves as Republicans is an anemic 20 percent."

DCCC Exposes the Truth On Michele Bachmann With The Re-launch of BachmannWatch.com

2009-11-05T16:28:03+00:00

In the competition for the truth, Michele Bachmann is 0-5

In honor of Representative Michele Bachmann's "Super Bowl of Freedom," the DCCC wants to bring your attention to BachmannWatch.com to expose the Congresswoman's extreme rhetoric and false claims on the serious matter of health insurance reform.

"Michele Bachmann may be hosting her extreme right-wing rally but when it comes to telling the truth, she is on the losing team," said Gabby Adler, the Midwestern Regional Press Secretary for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. "Whether trying to scare people with outrageous claims or mislead with outright lies on an issue as important as health insurance reform, Michele Bachmann simply can't be trusted."

Michele Bachmann will say anything to gain support for her extreme agenda, even if it means lying and twisting the truth. The website, www.BachmannWatch.com, features "Michele Bachmann vs. the Truth" where Bachmann's lies and misstatements on health insurance reform are rounded up and exposed.

Speaker Pelosi Congratulates Congressmen-elect Bill Owens and John Garamendi

2009-11-04T16:38:38+00:00

Washington, D.C. - Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on Congressman-elect Bill Owens' victory in the Special Election in New York's 23^rd Congressional District, and Congressman-elect John Garamendi's victory in the Special Election in California's 10th Congressional District:

"Congratulations to Congressmen-elect Bill Owens and John Garamendi on winning great victories tonight.

"Their elections are tributes to their running strong campaigns and to the hard work and strategic thinking of the outstanding Chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Chris Van Hollen.

"Bill Owens is a great American success story. A veteran who served his country as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force, following the closure of his old Air Force base in Plattsburgh, NY, he led the effort to redevelop it, bringing jobs and opportunity to his community.

"John Garamendi has had a long and distinguished career in public service, most recently as lieutenant governor of California, where he has been a powerful advocate for families and hard-working Californians, improving higher education, health care, and the environment.

"In Congress, Bill Owens and John Garamendi will be champions for the middle class, strong advocates for our troops and veterans, and committed fighters for building a clean energy future.

"I look forward to welcoming Congressmen-elect Owens and Garamendi to the Congress this week and working with them and my colleagues to reform health insurance and continue America's economic recovery."

* * *

New York's 23^rd Congressional District was left vacant when former Congressman John McHugh resigned his seat after being confirmed as Secretary of the Army for President Obama. California's 10^th Congressional District became vacant when former Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher resigned her seat after being confirmed as the State Department's Undersecretary for Arms Control and International Security Affairs.

DCCC Chair Van Hollen Congratulates Congressman-Elect John Garamendi (CA-10)

2009-11-04T05:42:15+00:00

DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen released the following statement, congratulating Congressman-elect John Garamendi, who won the special election in California's 10^th Congressional District:

"Congratulations to Congressman-elect John Garamendi on his victory today.

"With his commitment to strengthening public education, protecting Social Security and Medicare, defending the environment, and providing economic opportunities for middle class Californians, John Garamendi will be a great asset to our Democratic Caucus.

"I look forward to welcoming Congressman-elect John Garamendi to Congress and working with him to help President Obama achieve comprehensive health insurance reform and keep America on the path towards economic recovery."

California's 10^th Congressional District was left vacant when former Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher resigned her seat after being confirmed as Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security.

DCCC Chair Van Hollen’s Statement on Bill Owens’ Victory in New York’s 23rd District

2009-11-04T05:24:14+00:00

DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen released the following statement on Congressman-elect Bill Owens' victory in the Special Election in NY-23:

"Congratulations to Congressman-elect Bill Owens on his remarkable victory. Voters in New York's 23^rd District responded to Bill Owens' message and track record of creating jobs and attracting economic development to Upstate New York.

"This election represents a double-blow for National Republicans and their hopes of translating this summer's ‘tea party' energy into victories at the ballot box. Not only did eight extreme right-wing groups spend more than $1 million to drive the moderate Republican - and the NRCC's chosen candidate - out of the race. Now, after losing a seat that was held by Republicans for nearly 120 years, they have to deal with an emboldened and well-funded far right-wing that refuses to tolerate moderate Republicans with differing opinions.

"I am grateful to President Obama, Vice President Biden, House Democratic Leaders, Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, Congressman Steve Israel and the entire New York Congressional Delegation for their tireless work on behalf of and support of Bill Owens.

"With his commitment to reaching across the aisle to help President Obama enact his agenda for creating jobs and getting our economy moving again, Congressman-elect Bill Owens will be a tremendous asset to our Democratic Caucus."

Republicans Compare Reform to Terrorism

2009-11-03T22:23:32+00:00

Just when we think we've seen the lowest that House Republicans will go to try and kill health insurance reform, they surprise us. Now they're even comparing health insurance reform to terrorist attacks. Here are some of their most outrageous comments of late:

Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC): Health care reform is a bigger threat than 'any terrorist right now in any country.":

Everywhere I go in my district, people tell me they are frightened. I share that fear, and I believe they should be fearful. And I believe the greatest fear that we all should have to our freedom comes from this room this very room and what may happen later this week in terms of a tax increase bill masquerading as a health care bill. I believe we have more to fear from the potential of that bill passing than we do from any terrorist right now in any country.

A Critical Test Today

2009-11-03T15:48:35+00:00

Speaker Pelosi just sent this urgent message to DCCC supporters:

*** ONE YEAR OUT DEADLINE: MIDNIGHT TONIGHT. CONTRIBUTE TODAY. ***

Dear Friend,

Midnight tonight marks a critical milestone for President Obama and an equally vital test of the strength of our Democratic agenda for moving America forward.

One year ago, President Obama was elected as our 44th Commander in Chief.

The media will use the amount of money that we have in the bank tonight one year later as an indication of how strongly grassroots Democrats support the President's agenda, including health care reform.

We must not stand idly by; it's time to stand united before our deadline tonight.

Please help us exceed our grassroots goal of $500,000 before Midnight tonight. If you generously contribute before Midnight Tonight, a group of Democrats will match every dollar you give with two dollars of their own.

We have never needed your help more.

As I write to you, a special election in upstate New York will be a preview of what we will see in November with a well-funded, extreme conservative candidate being pioneered by special interest friends spending more than a million dollars in the race.

Congress is also preparing to vote soon on health insurance reform legislation, which includes a public option to make health care affordable for the middle class and hold insurance companies accountable. Your support tonight will show our united dedication and widespread support for health insurance reform.

Contribute $5, $10 or more before MIDNIGHT TONIGHT and your gift will be triple matched 2-to-1.

Sincerely,

Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the House

Leader Rush Strikes Again

2009-11-02T22:24:46+00:00

From Media Matters:

Limbaugh: We can say Scozzafava is "guilty of widespread bestiality; she has screwed every RINO in the country"

LIMBAUGH: Scozzafava has screwed every RINO in the coun -- we can say that she's guilty of widespread bestiality. She has screwed every RINO in the country. Everyone can see just see how phony and dangerous they are ... The American people have had enough.

Jennifer Crider, DCCC spokesperson, released the following statement:

"With his latest hate-filled rant Rush Limbaugh - the self-appointed leader of the Republican Party's extreme right wing - shows that the Republicans' tent only covers the likes of himself, Glenn Beck, Sarah Palin, and his latest recruit Doug Hoffman. This is exactly the kind of extreme right wing rhetoric that is driving people out of the Republican Party. Republicans should finally stand up to these right wing zealots and say 'enough is enough.'"

Rep. Foxx (R-NC): Health Insurance Reform bigger threat than any terrorist right now’

2009-11-02T20:29:58+00:00

Today on the House floor, Representative Virginia Foxx claimed that Americans have "more to fear from the potential" of a health insurance reform bill passing "than we do from any terrorist right now in any country."

"Representative Foxx believes that reducing health care costs for consumers is a greater danger to Americans than terrorists?," Jesse Ferguson, Southern Regional Press Secretary at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said. "It is outrageous that a representative of our nation that was hit by terrorists would have the gall to claim that Americans reducing their health care costs is a greater threat. The question is: Does Virginia Foxx's leadership agree with this Republican extreme right wing ideology?"

Background:

"Rep. Foxx: Health care reform is a bigger threat than ‘any terrorist right now in any country.'" [Think Progress, 11/02/09]

No Quit in America

2009-11-02T15:43:43+00:00

Patrick Kennedy just sent this message to DCCC supporters:

Friend --

"I got mine, you get yours" seems to be the creed by which today's Republican Party operates. And, it is this Republican Party that has opposed every initiative, every policy and every program President Obama has proposed since assuming office in January.

Your immediate support is urgently needed today because we are rapidly approaching our one-year-out fundraising deadline tomorrow.

And to stay competitive with the Republican fundraising machine, Democrats must raise just $89,353 more before midnight Tuesday.

Furthermore, the DCCC's totals during this one-year-out fundraising period will be viewed by media pundits, political analysts and our Republican opponents as an indicator of the strength of grassroots support for Democrats in Congress, President Obama and our agenda for change.

Contribute $5, $10 or more before our deadline MIDNIGHT TOMORROW and your gift will be matched 2-to-1.

From day one, Democrats acted boldly and forcefully to restore confidence in our economy and protect the interests of all Americans, especially the most vulnerable.

We fought for and won an extension of health care benefits for children. We enacted legislation to close the wage gap for women. We passed the historic American Clean Energy and Security Act. We protected hard working middle class families by reforming the credit card business. And, we worked with President Obama to stimulate the economy, create new jobs, address the credit crisis, and protect families from foreclosure. We've done all this and more almost solely on the strength of our Democratic Majority.

And, we still have much work to do in the fight for meaningful health insurance reform. But, thanks to the support and commitment of Democrats like you, I am confident America will emerge from this challenging time stronger and more united than ever before.

Contribute $5, $10 or more before our deadline MIDNIGHT TOMORROW and your gift will be matched 2-to-1.

We cannot win the 2010 election today, but we can lose it if we fail to maintain our fundraising strength against Republicans. And not only are we fighting a tidal wave of special interest money. We're up against history as well. On average, the party in the White House loses 30 seats in the midterm election.

But, I know that I can count on your continuing support. Please stand with President Obama and other progressive Democrats by rushing a generous contribution to the DCCC today.

Thank you,

Rep. Patrick Kennedy

P.S. I believe there's no quit in America. Please join me and support President Obama and Congressional Democrats with a generous contribution before MIDNIGHT TOMORROW. Your gift will be matched 2-to-1 and help the DCCC exceed their $500,000 fundraising goal.

Breaking News: GOP Chaos Erupts in Special Election

2009-11-01T23:50:21+00:00

DCCC Executive Director Jon Vogel sent the following Rapid Response Alert to DCCC supporters:

Friend--

Late yesterday news broke that the moderate Republican Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava, candidate in the hard-fought special election in New York's 23rd Congressional district, had been driven out and the Republican party was throwing their weight behind the Palin/Limbaugh/Glen Beck endorsed radical tea party candidate instead.

Today, the moderate Republican threw her support behind our proud Democratic candidate Bill Owens.

It has never been clearer that the Republican Party has been hijacked by extreme right wing ideologues with a radical agenda that would effectively dismantle Social Security and Medicare, and are out of step with a vast majority of Americans.

Eight extreme right wing groups spent more than $1 million on this campaign including the Minute Men, Club for Growth and the Family Research Council.

This means your work and your continued support and dedication have never been more critical as we face our one-year-out reporting deadline and this election on Tuesday.

We are up against a well-funded extremist GOP who will stop at nothing to win and whose agenda could quite literally take us backwards to the days of Bush-Cheney.

But, you and I can't let that happen. I will continue to keep you posted on news of this race continues and thank you again for standing with us. We will need you now more than ever.

Thanks,

Jon Vogel
DCCC Executive Director

DCCC Memo: What Does the NY-23 GOP Civil War Mean for House Republicans?

2009-10-31T23:12:01+00:00

TO:                 Interested Parties
FROM:           DCCC Communications
DATE:            October 31, 2009
RE:                  What Does the NY-23 GOP Civil War Mean for House Republicans?

The news that the NRCC's candidate, moderate Republican Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava, was driven out of the NY-23 Special Election to replace former Republican Congressman John McHugh raises questions about the lessons the Republican Party may learn.

DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen said:

Today's developments in NY-23 should send a chilling message to the few remaining moderate Republicans. The extreme right wing of the Republican Party is in control and will not tolerate differing opinions.

National Republicans hoped to harness the energy of the tea party movement and translate it into financial support and voter turnout for their endorsed candidate. Instead, the Republican Party has been hijacked by extreme right wing ideologues with a radical agenda that would effectively dismantle Social Security and Medicare, and are out of step with a vast majority of Americans.

Eight (8) extreme right wing groups spent more than $1 million to defeat the moderate Republican - and NRCC's chosen candidate. Those groups include: Club for Growth, Common Sense in America, Susan B. Anthony, Life and Liberty, Eagle Forum, Minute Men PAC, National Organization for Marriage, and the Family Research Council. In the wake of NY-23, House Republicans now have to contend with an emboldened and well-funded far right focused on ideological purity.

Additionally, the NRCC and House Republican leadership made a series of serious miscalculations that played out during the NY-23 campaign.

Republican leaders didn't understand the extreme right wing ideologues of their party. They thought that the tea party activist energy of this summer would easily translate into campaign dollars and votes for the establishment candidate. The NY-23 campaign shows that this is not true.

The Republican Conference is not united. The NRCC could not even lock in the endorsements of House Republican leaders.

NRCC mishandled the race from day one. The NRCC spent nearly $1 million (which is about a quarter of their current cash on hand) on a race despite not understanding the district or how the NY State party line ballot worked. They actively criticized the Conservative Party candidate and failed to lock in the endorsements of party leaders.

A year ago former NRCC Chairman Tom Davis said, "If the Republican brand were dog food, they would take it off the shelf." The Republican brand has only worsened since then.

The ABC News/Washington Post poll, released last week, found that only 20 percent of those polled identified themselves as Republicans. According to Chris Cillizza, this is "the lowest that number has been in Post polling since 1983." In the NBC-Wall Street Journal poll, released this week, just 25 percent have a positive opinion of the Republican Party, which ties the Republican's low in the survey and which is a worse score than it ever had during the Bush presidency.

The bottom line:

If Republican leaders learn the wrong lessons from NY-23, and they likely will, independent and moderate Republican voters will view Republicans as a party of far right ideologues. The few remaining moderate Republican Members and candidates will hear that moderates are not welcome in the Republican Party and differing opinions will not be tolerated.

Elections are about choices and the Republicans have yet to offer Americans, especially independents, a reason to choose them. In the long term, moving farther to the right will not offer an alternative that is acceptable to most Americans.

TRICK OR TREAT - Republicans: Where’s Your Health Reform Bill?

2009-10-30T22:06:37+00:00

It's been more than four months since the House Republican leadership broke their promise to release a health reform alternative, and they have yet to offer a meaningful alternative. Acknowledging the fact that House Republicans have no actual solutions, in what can only be described as a Halloween trick, today the Republican Party of ‘No Health Reform' circulated a memo on how to kill health insurance reform without "making the Republican Party look bad."

Background

On Oct 30: Politico reports, "GOP strategist Frank Luntz briefed Republican lawmakers this week 'on his new plan for undermining Democrats' health-reform without making the GOP look bad.'" [Politico, 10/30/2009]
On Oct 27: The Hill reported, "Some House Republicans are growing frustrated that their leaders have not yet introduced a healthcare reform alternative. For months, the message from House GOP leaders on a healthcare bill has been similar to ads for yet-to-be-released movies: Coming soon." [The Hill, 10/27/2009]
On July 23: House Minority Leader John Boehner said there is a Republican health care bill but refused to say whether it will ever be released. [The Washington Post's Plum Line, 7/23/09]
On June 17: Congressman Roy Blunt, the man charged by Minority Leader Boehner with coming up with the Republicans' alternative health care bill, stated, "I guarantee you we will provide you with a bill." - Congressman Roy Blunt, the man charged by Minority Leader Boehner with the Republicans' alternative health reform bill [Politico, 6/17/09]

Shadegg says NO to Grieving Father Seeking Cruise Ship Safety

2009-10-30T19:06:46+00:00

Opposes commonsense measures to protect against sexual assault onboard

In a galling move, Representative John Shadegg last week voted against a commonsense effort to increase personal safety measures aboard cruise ships - a bill pressed by Shadegg's own constituent, Ken Carver of Phoenix, whose daughter mysteriously disappeared from an Alaskan cruise in 2004.

"In the face of reports of sexual abuse onboard cruise ships, it's simply inexplicable that Congressman Shadegg would vote against commonsense protections even endorsed by the industry - and against his own constituent who pushed for the safeguards," said Andy Stone, Western Regional Press Secretary for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. "By opposing simple measures such as latches and peep holes for cabin doors and video surveillance to increase personal safety onboard and a requirement to report incidents of sexual abuse, Congressman Shadegg proved his Party of No bona fides."

DCCC: The Stakeholder

House GOP’s Virginia Foxx: Republicans Passed Civil Rights Bills Back In The 60s - Seriously??

Breaking News: GOP Attack Ad Buys Reach New High

Rep. Louie Gohmert: Democrats May Welcome Another Terrorist Attack

Join Al Gore for Dinner

A Message from Chairman Van Hollen

New Scare Ad Attacks Pro-Health Reform Democrats

Tea Party Activists Plan to Hang in Effigy Members of Congress

Sessions Stands Behind Remarks that Women are Like Smokers, Insurance Companies Should Charge More

Did Bachmanns Tea Party Rally Violate House Rules?

Courage

Debbie Halvorson: My Vote on Health Care Reform

WATCH: Chairman Van Hollen Discusses Health Reform on Fox News Sunday

House passes Affordable Health Care for America Act

NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions Says Insurance Companies OK to Discriminate Against Women

GOP Congressman Attend Tea Party Rally Instead of Voting on National Security Measures

NY-23 Victory Gallery

More Outrageous Extreme Right Wing Hatred

DCCC Exposes the Truth On Michele Bachmann With The Re-launch of BachmannWatch.com

Speaker Pelosi Congratulates Congressmen-elect Bill Owens and John Garamendi

DCCC Chair Van Hollen Congratulates Congressman-Elect John Garamendi (CA-10)

DCCC Chair Van Hollen’s Statement on Bill Owens’ Victory in New York’s 23rd District

Republicans Compare Reform to Terrorism

A Critical Test Today

Leader Rush Strikes Again

Rep. Foxx (R-NC): Health Insurance Reform bigger threat than any terrorist right now’

No Quit in America

Breaking News: GOP Chaos Erupts in Special Election

DCCC Memo: What Does the NY-23 GOP Civil War Mean for House Republicans?

TRICK OR TREAT - Republicans: Where’s Your Health Reform Bill?

Shadegg says NO to Grieving Father Seeking Cruise Ship Safety

Did Bachmanns Tea Party Rally Violate House Rules?

Rep. Foxx (R-NC): Health Insurance Reform bigger threat than any terrorist right now’